07/2021
The spring meadow section in the churchyard has now had its first cut of the year, and the summer section is really starting to look like a meadow. Here’s a little guide to some of the plants to look out for that are in flower at the moment – none of them are rare, and some may be considered as weeds, but all are important for wildlife. See if you can spot them (all the photos are from St Paternus).
Fox and cubs
This plant is widely naturalised in Britain, and is visited by hoverflies and bees for nectar and pollen. The name comes from the vixen-coloured flowers with the cubs represented by the buds. Other names include Devil's paintbrush, Grim-the-collier (because the black hairs are reminiscent of a miner covered in colliery grime), and orange hawkbit.
Yarrow
Easily identified by its feathery leaves, yarrow has been used as a medicinal plant since prehistoric times. Its Latin name Achillea millefolium comes from the Greek hero Achilles who in legend used the plant to treat wounds on the battle field. As well as healing wounds it is used in herbal medicine to treat colds and fever, stomach ulcers and rheumatism.
Yellow rattle
This is a semi-parasitic annual that we added to the churchyard two years ago from seed stock collected from Kit Hill. In the past this plant was a nuisance for farmers as it reduced yields, but in the context of conservation this suppression of grass growth is welcomed as it produces favourable growing conditions for wild flowers.
Lady’s mantle
The common name comes from the enveloping shape of the leaves. Its Latin name Alchemilla comes from the word alchemy - it was thought that the water droplets that formed on the leaves were the purest form of water and might turn base metals into gold. It is still used in herbalism in the form of a tea as a remedy for menstrual issues and menopause.
Cat’s ears
These are easily told from dandelions by their hairy leaves, which is where the name comes from. They also appear later in the year, flowering from June to September. The flowers only open up in sunlight and close if it is grey and wet. Many insects visit cat’s ears - the honey bee in particular benefits from the large amounts of pollen produced by the flowers.
White stonecrop
Also known as the small houseleek, this plant is an evergreen succulent that grows on dry banks, rocks, shingle and, in this case, on the gravel of a kerbed grave. It is possibly native to the south-west, but introduced elsewhere in the UK, and is pollinated by bees and flies. Its love of dry places and crevices makes it a popular plant for rock gardens.
Germander speedwell
This is just coming to the end of its flowering period but can still be seen in the churchyard along path edges, where it benefits from the grass being maintained at a shorter length. This association with roads and paths gave rise to it being considered a good luck charm for travellers, the bright blue flowers are meant to 'speed' you on your way.
Potentilla
There are over 300 species in this branch of the rose family - the one we have in the churchyard is probably a hybrid cinquefoil – you can see in the photo how the flowers have a different number of petals – but it is nearly impossible to tell it apart from other species like trailing tormentil. As well as the yellow flowers, look for the strawberry-like leaves.
You can check our full flora and fauna species lists on our website (we are currently at nearly 150 species) – if you should come across something we have missed or misidentified do let us know!
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